Clinical signs in allergic rhinitis – nasal, ocular, otologic, pharyngeal, laryngeal

There are various clinical signs in allergic rhinitis. They are:

• Nasal signs
  • Transverse nasal crease (allergic crease)
    • A black transverse line across the middle of nose
    • Occurs due to constant rubbing of the nose in the upward direction resembling a salute – allergic salute
  • Swollen turbinates
  • Pale, oedematous, bluish nasal mucosa
  • Thin watery discharge
• Ocular signs
  • Lid oedema
  • Cobblestone appearance and congestion of conjunctiva
  • Dark circles under eyes – allergic shiners
• Otologic signs
  • Retraction of tympanic membrane and serous otitis media due to eustachian tube dysfunction
• Pharyngeal signs
  • Granular pharyngitis due to hyperplasia of submucosal lymphoid tissue
• Laryngeal signs
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Oedema of vocal cords